Vehicle knocks down pole in Nain, driver charged

A vehicle rests on its side following an early morning accident in Nain which downed a pole and knocked out power to parts of the community. The driver was charged with refusing a breathalyser demand. — RCMP photo

A 38-year-old man has been charged with refusing a breathalyser demand after the vehicle he was driving collided with a light pole in Nain early this morning, knocking the pole down and pinning him in the vehicle.

RCMP say the driver, suspected to be impaired, was to be transported to hospital in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The accident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Middle Path Road in Nain. Upon arrival, RCMP officers observed an SUV on its side and a power pole leaning into the roadway. The driver was removed from the vehicle.

RCMP officers learned there were two other occupants in the vehicle who had left the scene.

Power was knocked out to the middle of Nain and heading west toward the airport.

Newfoundland Hydro was on scene to deal with the downed power pole and electrical wires. Hydro crews were to be flown into the community from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to assist with repairs.

A vehicle rests on its side following an early morning accident in Nain which downed a pole and knocked out power to parts of the community. The driver was charged with refusing a breathalyser demand. — RCMP photo